2022 BMW i4 vs 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid

After entering the modern electric car era with the radical i3 hatchback, BMW is dialing things back a bit. The 2022 BMW i4 isn’t as radical as the i3, but it may also appeal to a wider audience.

Instead of a dedicated platform, the i4 uses the same body shell as the gasoline BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, which in turn is a four-door version of the BMW 4 Series coupe and convertible. The result is an electric vehicle with dimensions fairly close to the BMW 3 Series, the Bavarian automaker’s signature product. By offering an electric alternative, BMW is showing that it’s serious about electric vheicles (EVs).

The i4’s closest rivals are the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, as both are electric four-doors from premium brands. Most of BMW’s traditional rivals, such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz, are focusing on electric crossover SUVs and more expensive sedans for now. The Porsche Taycan is positioned above the i4 in price and performance aspirations.

As with other BMW models, the i4 launches in multiple configurations based on its drivetrain rather than conventional trim levels. The single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) BMW i4 eDrive40 is the base model, and the one we test drove for this review. Buyers looking for more power can upgrade to the dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) i4 M50, which is featured in our video review, above.

The 2023 Honda Accord midsize sedan enters a new model year refreshed and rejuvenated, if not exactly revolutionized in comparison to the previous version of Honda’s long-running and highly regarded family sedan. With this, the 11th-generation of the new Accord, Honda wisely didn’t attempt to rewrite the rulebook in how the company set about improving one of its most important and popular models.

In Canada, the new 2023 Accord Hybrid is available in two trims: Sport Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid. Pricing for the Accord Hybrid ranges from $41,000 to just shy of $45,000 not including an $1,830 destination charge, taxes, and other fees. This starting MSRP is higher than its key hybridized five-seat sedan rival, the Toyota Camry, and on par with the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. That’s before digging into the dizzying array of small and midsize SUVs available with hybrid powertrains, including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and even Honda’s own CR-V.

Does the new Honda Accord Hybrid make enough of a splash to be worthy of consideration in such crowded and hotly contested markets? After a shorter drive at the start of the year, a week-long test drive this summer provided the answers.